Research Fellow in Seed Technology

School/Department School of Water, Energy and Environment
Based at Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.
Contract type Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period For 20 months
Salary Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £33,809 to £37,684 per annum, with the potential progression up to £47,105 per annum
Apply by 20/02/2022

Role Description

We welcome applications from enthusiastic, skilled plant or crop scientists to join our team on an exciting industry-led project aiming to improve tree seeds.

About the Role

We are looking for a postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Cranfield Soil and Agrifood Institute and work on an exciting new project on ‘Improving tree seeds and establishment to support Agroforestry and on-farm sustainability’. This is an industrial research project, led by Elsoms Seeds Ltd. and funded by InnovateUK.

The Research Fellow will undertake experimental work at Cranfield aiming to understand the physiology of selected tree seeds and test the effectiveness of different seed treatments on germination and seedling establishment in glasshouse and field trials. They will also evaluate the potential of using imaging technology to evaluate and monitor tree seed quality.

The Research Fellow will have to liaise and work closely with both the academic and technical team at Cranfield as well as the Elsoms Seeds team and other project collaborators.

About You

You will hold a PhD in Plant Science, Crop or Seed Science or other relevant discipline and have experience in designing and undertaking laboratory and glasshouse experiments. You will have good knowledge of statistical packages and proven experience in analysing, interpreting, and presenting your findings through written reports and oral presentations. You will have excellent communication, organisation and project management skills. Experience in working closely with industrial partners in research projects would be an advantage.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here .

The Cranfield Soil and Agrifood Institute (CSAFI) is one of the two research centres in the Environment and Agrifood Theme. CSAFI has internationally-recognised expertise across both domestic and international food supply chains, from soil science to postharvest quality. Our work is truly global, reaching across Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and SE Asia, working with agribusiness to address the challenges of environmental sustainability and food security. For details about our current research activities please click here :

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here .

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. Find out about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here . We are currently piloting hybrid working arrangements until April 2022.  This means the majority of our staff are spending between 40% and 60% of their time working from the office where job roles allow.

How to apply

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Sofia Kourmpetli, Lecturer in Plant Sciences, on [email protected]